Holidays in North Holland

North Holland is the most visited province in the Netherlands and includes dozens of historic towns including Amsterdam, Haarlem and Alkmaar, to name just three. From cycling and hiking to sailing and shopping, there's plenty of things to do during your stay in North Holland.

When to take your North Holland holidays

The climate of North Holland is similar to that of Great Britain, with cool summers and moderate winters. An ideal time to plan your North Holland holidays would be during the warmer, summer months between June and September. Begin your journey by flying in to Amsterdam International Airport. The easiest way to get around North Holland is via the national rail service, which you can board directly from the airport. The time zone is GMT+1.

What to do on your North Holland holidays

A great place to start your North Holland holidays would be in the magical city of Amsterdam. Explore the capital by jumping on a tram or taking a scenic boat cruise through the many winding canals. Catch a free lunchtime concert at the spectacular Concertgebouw Concert Hall or head across the road to the Van Gogh Museum which houses the world's largest collection of the artist's work. The infamous red light district is also interesting and definitely worth a look.

To the north of Amsterdam is the harbour town of Enkhuizen, ranked one of the prettiest towns in Holland, and Alkmaar with its famous cheese markets. Edam and Beemster cheeses are both produced in North Holland and are highly recommended. Haarlem is a magnificent old town with iconic architecture and a great selection of shops, art galleries and restaurants. For a taste of the great outdoors, why not try a cycling tour. See the windmills and typical Dutch farms passing by as you cycle through picturesque meadows, forests and waterscapes.